A Delta Airlines flight en route to Rome from Boston was compelled to make an abrupt U-turn over the Atlantic Ocean following a lightning strike on Sunday, according to statements from the airline and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Delta Flight 112 had just departed from Logan International Airport when the crew reported the incident. The aircraft was already over the Atlantic, on what was expected to be a seven-hour journey to Rome, as per data from Flightradar24.
The decision to return to Logan Airport was made “out of an abundance of caution after encountering lightning,” a Delta spokesperson explained via email. The Airbus A330 touched down at approximately 7:20 p.m., with fire trucks visible around the aircraft on the tarmac, as reported by WCVB.
Boston Emergency Medical Services confirmed that no passengers or crew members required medical assistance following the incident. The Delta spokesperson further assured that the flight landed safely and without any additional issues.
The spokesperson added, “We are working to get our customers to their final destination as quickly as possible, and we apologize for the delay in their travel. The safety of our customers and people remains Delta’s most important priority.”
The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident. However, the agency emphasized that its regulations mandate commercial aircraft to be designed to withstand lightning strikes.